Trubion: Pfizer cancels rheumatoid arthritis drug

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Trubion Pharmaceuticals Inc. said Monday that its partner Pfizer Inc. is ending development of one experimental rheumatoid arthritis drug, but will keep studying a second therapy.

The Seattle company said Pfizer decided to stop development of the drug after it failed to meet its goal in a mid-stage clinical trial.

The study compared a drug designated TRU-015, or PF-05212374, to a placebo. Trubion said a combination of TRU-015 and methotrexate did not work better than the placebo and methotrexate in treating the disease.

Trubion said New York-based Pfizer will continue to develop a different rheumatoid arthritis drug called SBI-087 or PF-05230895.

On Monday, Trubion shares lost 6 cents to close at $3.66. Pfizer stock added 9 cents in extended trading to $15.42.